LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

• Tautog inhabit various bodies of water along the Northeast coast of the United States, particularly in rocky areas and around artificial structures.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

• Tautog are often found near rocky bottoms, underwater ledges, and artificial reefs, where they can find shelter and ample food sources.

• Look for them in areas with strong tidal currents and submerged structure, such as rocky outcrops, jetties, and shipwrecks.

• Pay attention to water temperature, depth, and clarity, as these factors can influence tautog behavior.

• Tautog are known for their cautious feeding habits, requiring anglers to use precise presentations and tackle to entice bites.

PATTERNS

SPRING

• During the spring months, tautog migrate into nearshore waters along the Northeast coast in search of spawning grounds and abundant prey. Target them using bottom fishing techniques. Look for them in areas with rocky bottoms, submerged structure, and artificial reefs, where tautog are likely to congregate in large numbers.

  
  

SUMMER

• In the summer, tautog can be found in nearshore waters, particularly around rocky outcrops, jetties, and artificial reefs.

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FALL

• As temperatures cool down in the fall, tautog become more aggressive in preparation for the winter months.

WINTER

• During the winter months, tautog may move into deeper offshore waters or overwinter in nearshore areas with rocky bottoms and artificial structures.

Bait

• Tautog can be caught using a variety of bait options, including natural baits and artificial lures. Popular choices include fiddler crabs, green crabs, clams, and squid. It is also common to use jigs tipped with crab or squid imitations, as well as soft plastic baits designed to mimic crustaceans and mollusks.

  
  

Techniques

Bait Fishing

• How: Use crab or other crustacean baits and fish in rocky areas or around structure such as wrecks or jetties. Tautog are bottom dwellers and tend to stay close to structure, so you will need to anchor your boat or fish from shore near the structure. When fishing from a boat, use a fish finder to locate the structure and anchor your boat upstream or up-current from it. Let the bait sit on the bottom until you feel a bite, then set the hook.

• Gear: Rods: Medium to heavy spinning or conventional rods. Reels: 4000-6000 size spinning reels or conventional reels with a high gear ratio. Line: 20-30lb test braided line or monofilament. Hooks: Size 2/0 to 4/0 hooks with a stout shank to withstand the strong jaw of tautog.

Artificial Lures

• How: Tautog are not typically caught on artificial lures, but some anglers have had success with jigs and bucktails tipped with crab or other bait. Fish around rocky areas or other structure.

• Gear: Rods: Medium to heavy spinning or conventional rods. Reels: 4000-6000 size spinning reels or conventional reels with a high gear ratio. Line: 20-30lb test braided line or monofilament. Lures: Jigs, bucktails, and soft plastics.